Electronic cigarette container

ABSTRACT

A container adapted to receive an electronic cigarette is configured to obscure the fact that an electronic cigarette is contained within. The container is provided with an open ended receptacle to slidably insert an electronic cigarette. The outer surface of the receptacle is provided with ornamentality to appear to be a surrogate device, such as a writing utensil, a flashlight, or a laser pointer. Alternative embodiments provide for an adapter to enable the container to function as the surrogate device while containing the electronic cigarette.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/879,832, filed on 19 Sep. 2013, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to containers for electroniccigarettes, and in particular, to containers that store the electroniccigarette and obscure the fact that an electronic cigarette is containedwithin.

2. Background of the Related Art

In recent years substitutes for tobacco products have increased inpopularity. One particularly popular substitute is the electroniccigarette, or “e-cig.” Electronic cigarettes are able to provide themouthfeel and breathing sensations associated with cigarettes whilemanaging delivery of chemicals to a user. Electronic cigars and the likeare also possible. In some instances it may be desirable for a user ofan electronic cigarette to take steps to avoid notifying others that heis carrying an electronic cigarette for later use.

Because electronic cigarettes are purchased and then re-used many times,or used once but put down and picked up often, the owner of anelectronic cigarette has an interest in ensuring that he is able todistinguish his electronic cigarette from those owned by others,particularly when those other people are using electronic cigarettes ofthe same manufacturer and model.

Thus, there is a need to provide a container for an electronic cigarettethat not only obscures the fact that an electronic cigarette iscontained within, but also provides a means to personalize the containerso as to quickly distinguish it from others.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a description of a container that isadapted to receive an electronic cigarette and to obscure the fact thatan electronic cigarette is contained within by appearing to be asurrogate device such as a writing utensil, a flashlight, or a laserpointer. The electronic cigarette container comprises a receptacleconfigured to slidably receive an electronic cigarette via at least oneend of the receptacle. The inner surface of the receptacle has a profilethat substantially conforms to that of the outer surface of theelectronic cigarette. The outer surface of the receptacle is providedwith ornamentality to appear to be a surrogate device, such as a writingpen.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette container isprovided with a cap.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette containercomprises at least one segment, wherein if a plurality of segments areprovided then they serially connect to form the receptacle.

In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle or at least one segment hasa furcated construction.

In an alternative embodiment, an inner surface of the electroniccigarette container is provided with at least one retaining clip toremovably secure the electronic cigarette within the electroniccigarette container.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette container isprovided with at least one identification tag that is removablysecurable to the outer surface.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic cigarette container isprovided with an adapter enabling the electronic cigarette container tonot only appear to be a surrogate device but also operationally functionas one. Embodiments provide for adapters enabling functions such as awriting utensil, a flashlight, and a laser pointer.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic cigarette container comprisesa receptacle comprising at least one segment, where each segment has atleast one side, a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and anouter surface. Each first end is open, at least one second end isclosed, and each segment is provided with a first coupling means toremovably connect the segments in a serially manner. A profile of the atleast one inner surface is configured to substantially conform to anelectronic cigarette when the segments are serially connected, and thereceptacle is configured to substantially receive and contain theelectronic cigarette. Suitable coupling means may be, for example, ascrew, a snap-on configuration, or an adhesive.

In further embodiments the receptacle is configured to receive theelectronic cigarette in its entirety. Further embodiments include a caphaving a cap first end, a cap second end, a cap inner surface, and a capouter surface, wherein the cap first end is open and the cap second endis closed. A profile of the cap inner surface is configured tosubstantially conform to a portion of the electronic cigarette, and thecap is configured to substantially receive that portion of theelectronic cigarette. The cap is provided with a second coupling meansto removably secure the cap to the first end, and the cap is removablyaffixed to the at least one side. Suitable coupling means may be, forexample, a screw, a snap-on configuration, or an adhesive.

Further embodiments provide that at least one segment is furcated alongits longitudinal length, wherein a connected edge connects at least twofurcated pieces together via a hinged attachment and an operative edgeselectively connects at least two furcated pieces via a snap-fitengagement. A length from the first end to the second end is thelongitudinal length. The at least one segment is configured to pivotabout the connected edge to grant access to an inside of the receptacleand envelope at least a portion of the electronic cigarette after beinginserted into the inside by pivoting each furcated piece about theconnected edge so that the at least two furcated pieces meet at theoperative edge.

Further embodiments provide that at least one inner surface has at leastone retaining clip. In addition, at least one identification tag isprovided, which is configured to removably attach to at least one outersurface.

Further embodiments provide for an adapter having a first adapter endand a second adapter end, where the first adapter end has a thirdcoupling means to removably secure the adapter to an individual firstend of at least one segment. The first adapter end is configured toreceive a partially exposed portion of the electronic cigarette. Thesecond adapter end is provided with an operational end and is configuredto engage the second coupling means of the cap. The adapter is anoperational device selected from the group consisting of a writingutensil, a flashlight, and a laser pointer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the electronic cigarette container 10with the cap 60 removed and an electronic cigarette 11 being insertedinto the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 asan alternative embodiment illustrating three segments 21 a, 21 b, 21 ccomprising the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10 asan alternative embodiment illustrating a bifurcated receptacle 20, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the electronic cigarette container 10 as analternative embodiment illustrating the assemblage thereof with anadapter 140, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is side cut-away views of three embodiments of an adapter 140showing schematic block diagrams of internal operating components ofeach embodiment, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention; and,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette container 10with the cap 60 affixed to a side 50 of the receptacle 20, in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments areintended for illustration purposes only and are, therefore, not intendedto necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, an environmental view of the electroniccigarette container 10 with the cap 60 removed and an electroniccigarette 11 being inserted into the receptacle 20, and a perspectiveview of the electronic cigarette container 10 with the cap 60 affixed toa side 50 of the receptacle 20, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Electroniccigarettes 11 exist in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles; however,the overall construction of them is relatively constant. Most electroniccigarettes 11 generally have an elongate tubular shape and comprise acompilation of three components: 1) a shroud; 2) an atomizer; and, 3) acartridge.

The shroud typically contains a battery unit, and places the atomizer inelectrical communication with the battery unit. The cartridge containsflavor and/or nicotine dispensing units, and mechanically connects theatomizer with a mouthpiece portion of the cartridge. Most electroniccigarettes also include a microprocessor and a sensing unit tooperatively associate the activities of the various parts of theelectronic cigarette. Some electronic cigarettes have more elaborateconstructions while some have more simple constructions. Nonetheless,most electronic cigarettes combine the shroud, atomizer, and cartridgein a manner to generally form an elongated tubular shape.

The electronic cigarette container 10 is a receptacle 20 configured toreceive and store an electronic cigarette 11 while obscuring the factthat an electronic cigarette 11 is contained within. While theelectronic cigarette container 10 described herein will be that of anelongated tubular shape, the shape is certainly not limited to such. Theshape of the electronic cigarette container 10 is envisioned to be anyshape that may serve the function of receiving an electronic cigarette11 and obscuring the containment thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electroniccigarette container 10 comprises a unitary hollow tubular receptacle 20having a first end 30 and a second end 40. The receptacle 20 isenvisioned to be fabricated from a lightweight rigid material such asalloy steel, aluminum, plastic or other polymer, fiber reinforcematerial, composite material, or the like. The first end 30 ispreferably open to enable ingress and egress of the electronic cigarette11. The second end 40 is preferably closed, and envisioned to beconjoined with the sides 50 of the receptacle 20. A profile of the innersurface 80 of the receptacle 20 substantially conforms to a profile ofthe outer surface of an electronic cigarette 11. In use, a user slidablyinserts an electronic cigarette 11 into the container 10 via the firstend 30 such that the container 10 entirely or substantially receives theelectronic cigarette 11. The inner surface 80 may also be lined with anonabrasive material such as felt or rubber, which may be applied via anadhesive in the case of a felt or spray in the case of rubber.

The container 10 is envisioned to be provided with a cap 60 that isconfigured to selectively cover the first end 30, thereby concealing theelectronic cigarette 11 placed within. It is envisioned for the cap 60to be fabricated from the same material as that of the receptacle 20. Inembodiments where the container 10 substantially receives the electroniccigarette 11, the cap 60 is configured to receive the exposed end of theelectronic cigarette 11 in a similar manner that the receptacle 20received the electronic cigarette 11. Therefore, the cap 60 has a capopen end, a cap closed end, and a cap inner surface similar to that ofthe receptacle 20.

The cap 60 is provided with a coupling mechanism 180 to removably securethe cap 60 to the first end 30. It is envisioned for the couplingmechanism 180 to enable mechanically engagement with the first end 30via mechanisms such as but not limited to an interference fit, acomplementary threading engagement, a spring clip engagement, abayonet-style engagement, and the like. In an alternative embodiment,the cap 60 may be affixed to the side 50 of the container 10 via anaffixment 250 such as a hinged engagement, an elastic band, a lanyard,or other type of tether. The affixment 250 to the side 50 enablesmanipulation of the cap 60 so as to removably secure it to the first end30 while still being tethered. Alternatively, the affixment 250 to theside 50 may also enable detachment of the cap 60 from the side 50 toenable removable securement of the cap 60 to the first end 30 while thecap 60 is detached from the side 50. The cap inner surface may also belined with a nonabrasive material in a manner described above.

The outer surface 70 of the electronic cigarette container 10 has ashape and ornamental configuration to obscure the fact that it is usedto hold an electronic cigarette 11. For instance, the outer surface 70may create the appearance of a cigar case, sunglass case, cellularphone, a writing pen, a flashlight, a laser pointer, a toothbrush, orthe like. The ornamentality of the cap 60 similarly creates such anappearance by complementing that of the receptacle 20. For instance, ifthe receptacle 20 presents the appearance of a writing pen, then the cap60 may resemble a pen cap, as shown in FIG. 1. As another example, ifthe receptacle 20 presents the appearance of a flashlight, then the cap60 may resemble a tail cap or even a headlamp, as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the electronic cigarettecontainer 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating three segments 21a, 21 b, 21 c comprising the receptacle 20, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In analternative embodiment of the present invention, the container 10comprises at least one tubular segment 21 a, 21 b, 21 c thatmechanically engage each other via a coupling mechanism 180. Althoughthree segments 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are described here, it is envisioned forthere to be any number of segments 21 a, 21 b, 21 c. The segments 21 a,21 b, 21 c combine to form the receptacle 20. It is envisioned for atleast one segment 21 a, 21 b, 21 c to be closed off so as to serve asthe second end 40 as described above. It is further envisioned for atleast one segment 21 a, 21 b, 21 c to be open so as to serve as thefirst end 30 as described above. In this embodiment, each segment 21 a,21 b, 21 c is slid over the electronic cigarette 11 in a serial manner,as shown in FIG. 2. While one of the segments 21 a, 21 b, 21 c may serveas the cap 60, a cap 60 may still be provided with this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the electronic cigarettecontainer 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating a bifurcatedreceptacle 20, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, is disclosed. In an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, the container 10 comprises a receptacle 10 that is furcatedalong its longitudinal length 90, such as being bifurcated or eventrifurcated. Where the container 10 has a furcated construction, atleast one segment 21 a, 21 b, 21 c is similarly furcated.

It is envisioned for each furcated piece to be hingedly affixed to theother furcated piece at a connected edge 100. Preferably, the furcatedpieces are removably attached to each other at the operative edge 110via a snap-fit engagement; however, other types of engagements may beutilized. As by way of example, a first furcated piece is permanently,yet hingedly, affixed to a second furcated piece at the connected edge100. As the first furcated piece is pivoted about the connected edge 100to mate with the second furcated piece, the operative edge 110 enablestemporary securement of the first and second furcated pieces. In thisembodiment, the receptacle 10 and/or segments 21 a, 21 b, 21 c can beslid over the electronic cigarette 11 in a serial manner, or at leastone furcated piece can be pivoted open about the connected edge 100 toenable placement of the electronic cigarette 11 within before pivotingthe furcated pieces closed again.

In a further embodiment, the inner surface 80 is provided with at leastone retaining clip 120 to removably secure the electronic cigarette 11within the container 10, as shown in FIG. 3. While a retaining clip 120may be provided with any embodiment, it is envisioned for theseretaining clips 120 to be used with the furcated embodiment. Preferably,each retaining clip 120 comprises a set of resilient arms that arepermanently affixed to the inner surface 80 and are configured toreceive and retain a portion of the electronic cigarette 11 via aninterference fit; however, other securement means may be utilized. Theretaining clip 120 is used to prevent jostling and undesirable movementof the electronic cigarette 11 that may occur when placed within thecontainer 10.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the container 10is provided with at least one identification tag 130 that is removablysecurable to the outer surface 70, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It isenvisioned for each identification tag 130 to comprise an embellishment131 a with a fastener 131 b. The fastener 131 b may be a set ofretaining clips as described above, a ring, a spring clip, a magnet, alanyard, a chain, an adhesive, or the like. The fastener 130 b enablesremovable connection to the receptacle 20 or the cap 60. Eachembellishment 130 a is provided with at least one charm, sticker,indicia, or other identifying marking, and is envisioned to have avariety of finishes such as a matte, gloss, or textured. Eachidentification tag 130 is used to personalize and identify the container10 as the one belonging to the user.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view of the electronic cigarettecontainer 10 as an alternative embodiment illustrating the assemblagethereof with an adapter 140, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention, is disclosed. In an alternative embodiment,the container 10 not only obscures the fact that an electronic cigarette11 is held within by appearing to be a surrogate device, it actuallyfunctions as that surrogate device. In an exemplary embodiment of thisoperational surrogate device version, the container 10 is provided withan adapter 140 having a first adapter end 150 and a second adapter end160. The first adapter end 150 is configured to removably secure to thefirst end 30 via a coupling mechanism 180. The cap 60 in this embodimentwould then removably secure to the second adapter end 140 via a couplingmechanism 180, if the use of the cap 60 is desired.

The first adapter end 150 may be configured to receive any exposed endof the electronic cigarette 11 if the receptacle 20 does not encase theelectronic cigarette 11 in its entirety. Therefore, the first adapterend 150 would have an open end and a hollow construction to partiallyreceive any exposed portion of the electronic cigarette 11. In use, anelectronic cigarette 11 is inserted into the receptacle 20 and theadapter 140 is coupled to the first end 30, where if the electroniccigarette 11 is only substantially received by the receptacle 20 thenthe first adapter end 150 is configured to receive the exposed portion.

The adapter 140 comprises a casing 170 with an operational end at itssecond adapter end 140. The casing 170 houses the operative componentsof the particular operational surrogate device, and the second adapterend 140 is used as the operational end, as will be explained in a fewexemplary embodiments below.

Referring now to FIG. 5, side cut-away views of three embodiments of anadapter 140 showing schematic block diagrams of internal operatingcomponents of each embodiment, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention, is disclosed.

In an example where the operational surrogate device is a writingutensil, the outer surface 70 of the container 10 would resemble awriting utensil. A casing 170 of the adapter 140 may contain an inkcartridge 190 in mechanical and fluid connection with a feed tube 200,which leads to a point 210 at the operational end. The point may be butis not limited to a ball-point, rollerball, felt point, or ceramic tip.Construction and operation of a pen/marker writing utensil is common inthe art and a detailed description thereof will not be necessary. Inthis embodiment, it is envisioned for the cap 60 to be the pen/markercap for the writing utensil surrogate device; however, the adapter 140may be configured with its own pen/marker cap, thus obviating the needfor a cap 60. This enables the container 10 to function as a pen/markerwhile the container 10 is holding the electronic cigarette 11. It isenvisioned for the adapter 140 to be replaced when the ink is exhausted.

In an example where the operational surrogate device is a flashlight,the outer surface 70 of the container 10 would resemble a flashlight.The casing 170 of the adapter 140 may contain a battery 220 inelectrical communication with an illumination source 230 at theoperational end. It is envisioned for an operational switch 240 to bedisposed on an outer surface of the adapter 140 and be configured toenable selective electrical connectivity from the battery 220 to theillumination source 230. The illumination source 230 is envisioned to bean LED; however, other illumination sources 230 may be utilized.Construction and operation of a flashlight is common in the art and adetailed description thereof will not be necessary. In this embodiment,it is envisioned for the cap 60 to be the headlamp and provide a lensfor the flashlight surrogate device; however, the adapter 140 may beconfigured with its own headlamp portion, thus obviating the need for acap 60. This enables the container 10 to function as a flashlight whilethe container 10 is holding the electronic cigarette 11. It isenvisioned for the adapter 140 to be replaced when the battery life isexhausted.

In an example where the operational surrogate device is a laser pointer,the outer surface 70 of the container 10 would resemble a laser pointer.The casing 170 of the adapter 140 would contain a battery 220 inelectrical communication with an illumination source 230 at theoperational end. It is envisioned for an operational switch 240 to bedisposed on an outer surface of the adapter 140 and configured to enableselective electrical connectivity from the battery to the illuminationsource 230. The illumination source 230 is envisioned to be a laserdiode configured to emit coherent light within the visible spectrum.Construction and operation of a laser pointer is common in the art and adetailed description thereof will not be necessary. In this embodiment,it is envisioned for the cap 60 to be an adjustable lens for the laserpointer surrogate device; however, the adapter 140 may be configuredwith its own adjustable lens, thus obviating the need for a cap 60. Thisenables the container 10 to function as a laser light while thecontainer 10 is holding the electronic cigarette 11. It is envisionedfor the adapter 140 to be replaced when the battery life is exhausted.

While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed invention have beendescribed above it should be understood that they have been presentedfor purposes of example only, not limitations. It is not exhaustive anddoes not limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.Modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings or may be acquired from practicing the disclosure, withoutdeparting from the breadth or scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container adapted to receive an electroniccigarette, comprising: a receptacle, having at least one side, a firstend, a second end conjoined with said at least one side, an innersurface, and an outer surface, wherein: said first end is open; saidsecond end is closed; a profile of said inner surface is configured tosubstantially conform to said electronic cigarette; and, said receptacleis configured to substantially receive and contain said electroniccigarette.
 2. The container recited in claim 1, wherein said receptacleis configured to receive said electronic cigarette in its entirety. 3.The container recited in claim 1, further comprising: a cap having a capfirst end, a cap second end, a cap inner surface, and a cap outersurface, wherein: said cap first end is open; said cap second end isclosed; a profile of said cap inner surface is configured tosubstantially conform to a portion of said electronic cigarette; and,said cap is configured to substantially receive said portion of saidelectronic cigarette.
 4. The container recited in claim 3, wherein saidcap is provided with a first coupling means to removably secure said capto said first end.
 5. The container recited in claim 3, wherein said capis removably affixed to said at least one side.
 6. The container recitedin claim 1, wherein: a length from said first end to said second end isa longitudinal length; said receptacle is furcated along itslongitudinal length, wherein a connected edge connects at least twofurcated pieces together via a hinged attachment and an operative edgeselectively connects at least two furcated pieces via a snap-fitengagement; and, said receptacle is configured to pivot about saidconnected edge to grant access to an inside of said receptacle andenvelope said electronic cigarette by pivoting each furcated piece aboutsaid connected edge so that said at least two furcated pieces meet atsaid operative edge.
 7. The container recited in claim 1, wherein saidinner surface is provided with at least one retaining clip.
 8. Thecontainer recited in claim 1, further comprising at least oneidentification tag configured to removably attach to said outer surface.9. The container recited in claim 1, further comprising: an adapterhaving a first adapter end and a second adapter end, wherein: said firstadapter end has a second coupling means to removably secure said adapterto said first end; said first adapter end is configured to receive apartially exposed portion of said electronic cigarette; and, said secondadapter end is provided with an operational end and is configured toengage said first coupling means of said cap.
 10. The container recitedin claim 9, wherein said adapter is an operational device selected fromthe group consisting of a writing utensil, a flashlight, and a laserpointer.
 11. A container adapted to receive an electronic cigarette,comprising: a receptacle, comprising at least one segment, each segmenthaving at least one side, a first end, a second end, an inner surface,and an outer surface, wherein: each first end is open; at least onesecond end is closed; each segment is provided with a first couplingmeans to removably connect said segments in a serially manner; a profileof said at least one inner surface is configured to substantiallyconform to said electronic cigarette when said segments are seriallyconnected; and, said receptacle is configured to substantially receiveand contain said electronic cigarette.
 12. The container recited inclaim 11, wherein said receptacle is configured to receive saidelectronic cigarette in its entirety.
 13. The container recited in claim11, further comprising: a cap having a cap first end, a cap second end,a cap inner surface, and a cap outer surface, wherein: said cap firstend is open; said cap second end is closed; a profile of said cap innersurface is configured to substantially conform to a portion of saidelectronic cigarette; and, said cap is configured to substantiallyreceive said portion of said electronic cigarette.
 14. The containerrecited in claim 13, wherein said cap is provided with a second couplingmeans to removably secure said cap to said at least one first end. 15.The container recited in claim 13, wherein said cap is removably affixedto said at least one side.
 16. The container recited in claim 11,wherein: a length from said at least one first end to said at least onesecond end is a longitudinal length; said at least one segment isfurcated along said longitudinal length, wherein a connected edgeconnects at least two furcated pieces together via a hinged attachmentand an operative edge selectively connects at least two furcated piecesvia a snap-fit engagement; and, said at least one segment is configuredto pivot about said connected edge to grant access to an inside of saidreceptacle and envelope at least a portion of said electronic cigaretteafter being inserted into said inside by pivoting each furcated pieceabout said connected edge so that said at least two furcated pieces meetat said operative edge.
 17. The container recited in claim 11, whereinat least one of said inner surface is provided with at least oneretaining clip.
 18. The container recited in claim 11, furthercomprising at least one identification tag configured to removablyattach to at least one said outer surface.
 19. The container recited inclaim 11, further comprising: an adapter having a first adapter end anda second adapter end, wherein: said first adapter end has a thirdcoupling means to removably secure said adapter to an individual firstend of said at least one segment; said first adapter end is configuredto receive a partially exposed portion of said electronic cigarette;and, said second adapter end is provided with an operational end and isconfigured to engage said second coupling means of said cap.
 20. Thecontainer recited in claim 19, wherein said adapter is an operationaldevice selected from the group consisting of a writing utensil, aflashlight, and a laser pointer.